Director, LEAN Operations

At YETI, we believe that time spent outdoors matters more than ever and our gear can make that time extraordinary. When you work here, you’ll have the opportunity to create exceptional, meaningful work and problem solve with innovative team members by your side. Together, you’ll help our customers get the high-quality gear they need to make the most of their adventures. We are BUILT FOR THE WILD™.

As Director of YETI’s LEAN Team you’ll report to the VP of Operations and lead the implementation of LEAN principles throughout YETI’s Supply Chain, Operations and Manufacturing Partners.  In this role, you will be responsible to lead a small global team of highly skilled LEAN zealots based in North America and Southeast Asia and will be responsible for the implementation of LEAN tools, managing the LEAN funnel and orchestrating global events and process implementation.  Primarily, you’ll be responsible to develop a roadmap for the implementation of LEAN tools throughout SCIOPS that will drive sustainable business process excellence, manufacturing process efficiency and predictable product quality.  You will be responsible to develop a small team of highly skilled LEAN experts who will be dispersed to lead Kaizen events and process implementation globally, leveraging YETI’s Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Engineering resources to partner with manufacturing facilities to optimize related manufacturing processes and build LEAN muscle throughout the organization.  You will also be responsible to develop and manage a comprehensive LEAN funnel that will include a process implementation roadmap and a quantified LEAN project funnel that will target both manufacturing and business process excellence.  This role involves international travel up to 50%.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a plan for LEAN implementation across YETI’s Supply Chain & Operations Organization (SCOPS).  Leverage experience with LEAN implementation and LEAN tools to calibrate and optimize the implementation throughout the organization, establishing “LEAN Lighthouses” for a transformation blueprint. 
• Manage YETI’s LEAN Team both domestically and abroad.  Lead efforts to systematically evaluate and optimize manufacturing processes, business processes and products throughout YETI, our suppliers and partners.  Partner with YETI’s functional leadership to drive LEAN events, cascade LEAN methodologies and manage project sustainment across SCOPS organization. 
• Establish, implement and manage a LEAN Funnel, clearly identifying opportunities and resource needs for LEAN tool implementation and process optimization throughout the SCOPS organization and YETI’s supply base.  Drive implementation to achieve stated results to build momentum for the growth of the LEAN initiative throughout YETI. 
• Establish and implement a sustaining process to provide visibility to project sustainment and impact. 
• Cascade the LEAN funnel regionally.  Build LEAN skills throughout the Global Operations Team through training and local events with related YETIizens and supplier/partner teams.  
• Expand YETI’s Continuous Improvement process beyond product quality.  Leverage Hoshin Kanri process to drive comprehensive TTI’s and KPI’s and provide clear visibility to goals and the impact of the LEAN funnel. 
• Create baseline models for cost, cycle time analysis and throughput improvement.  Identify optimization opportunities and partner with the Procurement Organization to optimize factory operations.  In coordination with Procurement, build cost reduction roadmap based on should-cost analysis and drive out waste through LEAN and VAVE initiatives. 

Qualifications and Attributes:

• BS. in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Master’s or Advanced Degree in Engineering preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in operations, manufacturing or product development with experience in Automotive or Consumer Goods Industry strongly preferred.  Strong understanding of APQP beneficial. 
• At least 10 years of experience as a LEAN practitioner with strong experience with the entire LEAN toolkit and demonstrated success with the implementation of LEAN throughout Supply Chain & Operations. 
• At least 6 years of experience leading teams, ideally leading LEAN transformation and the implementation of LEAN tools globally.  Past experience leading LEAN transformation preferred. 
• LEAN/Six Sigma certification or equivalent training and experience within a manufacturing environment beneficial 
• Proven ability to effectively build relationships cross-functionally, influence change across the business, develop TTI’s & KPI’s and effectively communicate across departments required.
• Direct experience managing an international team required.
• Experience managing comp